BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) – The man behind “The Cat in the Hat” was born, and Wilt Chamberlain scores 100 points in a single game! All this, including a White House visit 86 years in the making, and more in today’s “This Day in History”.

On this day in 1904, Theodor Geisel, was born in Springfield, Massachusetts. Though you may not recognize that name, you may know him better as Dr. Seuss, the author and illustrator of such beloved classics as “The Cat in the Hat” and “Green Eggs and Ham.” The good doctor wrote 48 books in his career, selling well over 200 million copies worldwide. In his honor, March 2nd has been dubbed “Dr. Seuss Day.”

On this day in 1861, Texas secedes from the Union, becoming the seventh state to do so.

On this day in 2005, the World Champion Boston Red Sox visited President George W. Bush at the White House. The World Series victory, less than four months prior to the visit, was the team’s first since 1918. President Bush had some fun with the team over the long drought between championships. He pointed out the last time they were in Washington, Woodrow Wilson was President. In regards to the improbable victory by the Red Sox, Bush quipped; “Now we just have to wait for the other six signs of the apocalypse.”

On this day in 1962, Philadelphia Warriors star Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points against the New York Knicks. It was the first time a player had ever done so. The triple digit night by Chamberlain broke the previous record of 78 points…also set by him.

And, speaking of the NBA, on this day in 1951, the first NBA All-Star Game was held at the Boston Garden. The East All-Stars beat the West All-Stars with a final score of 111-94…or as this year’s All-Star game would call it…the first half.